The Sims 2 Pets Preview

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EA is dropping their animals off on your GBA. Pooper scooper not included.

By Daemon Hatfield

Along with the just-announced Sims 2: Pets for the DS, EA is also bringing the animal-lover's Sims game to Nintendo's aging Game Boy Advance. (Resisting temptation to make joke about how pets are supposed to be good for the elderly...)

The Sims 2: Pets on GBA takes place in the town of Barkersville, a community that revolves around its pets. You'll create a custom Sim, as per usual, and then head to the pet store to pick out a furry friend. (No creating pets in this game - they'll need to be purchased.) As with the DS version, dogs and cats seem to be the only animals in stock. It's not clear yet exactly how many pets you can obtain, but you can eventually find a friend for your dog or cat.

Of course, you'll need to start earning some income, and there are four careers to choose from: vet, groomer/walker, trainer, or pet psychiatrist. Choose to be a vet, and you'll have to look after other people's pets as well as your own.

Your pet will develop a personality, and it's up to you to guide them along the way. Interaction with pets is handled through five mini-games, such as training or getting rid of fleas. If your animal is particularly talented, you might enter them in the World Championships and give them a chance at best in show.

Over the game you will come to own three properties, and there are around 150 objects with which to decorate your little corner of Barkersville. There are plenty of toys and accessories for your pet as well.

Pets on GBA is looking like a fun, if scaled down, version of the new Sims expansion. You won't find the depth of the PC, or even the DS, versions, but it might be just enough for the animal-lover on the go.